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Keen Interest In Khan Academy Initiative

Khan Academy
Alex Eiden (centre) with the IT Coordinators from the 10 pilot schools. Mr. Eiden collaborated with the Ministry of Education to implement the Khan Academy Mathematics Initiative here on the island. (GP)

Growing interest by Barbadian students in the Khan Academy programme has been recognised and will continue to be supported both locally and internationally.

Support for the initiative was made clear this week, as investment in it came in the form of 30 computers, flown in by JetBlue and handed over to the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (METI), as gifts to three primary schools.
Alex Eiden, an Essex Fells, New Jersey, resident and student at Montclair Kimberley Academy, collaborated with the Ministry to implement the Khan Academy Mathematics Initiative here on the island. Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organisation created with the aim of providing a free, world-class education “for anyone, anywhere”.
However, the keen interest and progress by the island’s children in the online programme was assured some two months ago, when the Ministry undertook an evaluation of the Khan Academy Mathematics Initiative with teachers who are Information Technology Coordinators (ITCs) in the 10 pilot schools.
The initiative is one which uses Khan Academy’s online platform as a tool to improve knowledge and skills of Mathematics at any level of our school system. The review was led by Senior Education Officer in the Ministry, Fernando Carter; Mr. Eiden; and his father, American businessman, Frederick Eiden.
It evaluated the use of the programme by over 2,000 students in the 10 pilot schools: St. Ambrose, Charles F. Broome, St. Christopher Primary, Bayley’s Primary, People’s Cathedral, Ellerton, Cuthbert Moore Primary, Bay Primary, St. Lukes Brighton and Hillaby Turner’s Hall.
Providing an assessment of usage by students, Alex Eiden said the 10 schools had earned 20 million Energy points. Energy points, he explained, were earned as students used Khan Academy – watching videos and doing the exercises.
He further explained that some exercises afforded them additional points depending on the degree of difficulty, and how quickly the students completed the exercises. “It is an impressive number and I, for one, am very happy with this number,” he declared.
The Khan Academy Ambassador acknowledged that each school had recorded satisfactory results, with some reaching or exceeding the two-million energy point threshold by March 13, 2016. Among those singled out were St. Ambrose, Charles F. Broome, Ellerton and Bayley’s Primary.
The father and son team, however, acknowledged that there were myriad challenges at the various schools, and as such, the numbers were not designed to reflect competitiveness.
“What we are looking for is to put Barbados on the world scene, in terms of what is happening; what can happen; where can we receive complimentary funding for the Ministry of Education so that Barbados can be potentially the showcase in the Caribbean,” Frederick Eiden said.
The programme is supported by JetBlue and has generated interest from other charitable organisations. Last year, through the Eidens, JetBlue also donated 30 computers to two of the pilot schools, namely St. Ambrose and St. Lukes Brighton. The 30 presented earlier this week went to Bay Primary, Cuthbert Moore Primary and the People’s Cathedral Primary.
“We wanted to ensure complimentary funding was available so that the students could use top technology inside of the classroom,” stressed the older Eiden. He added that with the introduction of more computers and bandwidth, the Ministry’s IT specialist would be able to manage and control the available resources to improve learning.
The father and son team expressed gratitude to the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry, Senator Harcourt Husbands, the management of Sandy Lane Resort, the team from the Ministry, as well as the associated sponsors.
Mr. Carter said the formative evaluation of the progress of Khan Academy was intended to look at the challenges, hurdles, positives and ways in which Mathematics skills could be improved upon.
Commending the efforts of teachers and their charges, the Senior Education Officer emphasised that the main purpose of introducing the Khan Academy online programme, almost a year ago, was to improve the performance of primary school students in Mathematics.
“We recognised that there were challenges in the subject of Mathematics; we recognised too that these challenges should be tackled from a variety of ways or methodologies and this is just one,” he explained.
Mr. Carter also spoke to the future of the Maths initiative. “The Ministry will play its role in terms of improving the connectivity; upgrading existing equipment and being the kind of facilitators who ensure that the Khan Academy initiative goes on to the next level. There is a role for the Ministry to also play in terms of public relations, working together with the Barbados Government Information Service, and you the ITCs and the principals.”
Lauding the Eiden team for sourcing the computers, he said the Ministry looked forward to their continued efforts at finding sponsors to support programmes for the improvement of our educational system and the efficiency of the Khan Academy initiative here.
Teachers heard that part of their role was convincing the three entities – principals, other teachers and parents – of the importance of the Maths initiative. “Convince them that it is just a tool, and as a tool, you can utilise it to suit your objectives and further the process of learning by adding value. And, of course, if you have not yet communicated to the parents about their role, you have to.
“Communicate it again and again because they play a very important role in the whole school. That parent connection is critical, especially at the primary level. Homework should not be perceived by the parent as just a pen or paper exercise,” Mr. Carter stressed.
Other thoughts from the evaluation reflected that since the introduction of the Khan Academy, which brings Silicon Valley learning into Barbadian classrooms, to students and their families, some teachers had witnessed the eradication of the fear of fractions and the beginning of a search for knowledge that extends beyond the world of Mathematics.

Be Agents of Change in your new schools!

In the Winners' Circle
Madame Justice Barbara Cooke-Alleyne receiving the sponsorship cheque for the 'In the Winners' Circle' Programme from Manager, Accounts, Guardian General Insurance, Eurlinda Smith at today's opening ceremony. (C.Pitt/BGIS)

The transition from primary to secondary school was the focus of discussion, when the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit hosted the opening ceremony of its ninth annual 11 Plus Programme today at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

Aimed at pupils who recently completed the Common Entrance Examination, the three-week programme seeks to sensitise children on how to deal with certain challenges as they make the transition from primary to secondary school.
While delivering the feature address, Magistrate Barbara Cooke-Alleyne underscored the importance of developing effective coping mechanisms to navigate the social and psychological rigours of secondary school.
She told the audience: “In 2007, I conceived the idea of a need for a programme to prevent children in secondary school from coming before the law courts. I was really concerned at that time as a sitting Magistrate in the Juvenile Court; and seeing young people coming before the court at this tender age for all types of crimes.”
Magistrate Cooke-Alleyne noted that the young persons coming before the courts were typically 14 and 15 years old, both boys and girls, often charged with assault.
“We must get into the schools from early with more programmes like these. Start from early to reach our children and we can detour from this violence and get back on a path that we can be proud of,” she emphasised.
The three-week interactive programme, being held under the theme: In the Winners Circle: Making the Right Choice, will address topics such as Bullying and Conflict Resolution; Peer Pressure; Wandering; Substance Abuse; Your Body and You; and Self Esteem.

Hunters workshop emphasizes wildlife conservation

Iguana

The Forestry Wildlife and Parks Division held a Hunters Workshop on Wednesday, May 11th, to educate stakeholders on wildlife resource management.

Acting Director of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks, Minchinton Burton, addressing the opening ceremony, remarked that hunting is one of the world’s oldest professions.
He says the need to conserve wildlife is one which is ever evolving.
“Hunting and forestry influence game species and populations and their habitats. It also has an effect on non-prey animal and plant species and their ecosystems. As an integral part of agriculture and forestry, hunting is a sustainable form of land use and should meet all modern requirements of environmental protection and nature conservation. Social expectations concerning the treatment and efficient use of our natural resources have changed considerably over the past decades.
“Flora and fauna are considered precious resources worthy of special protection. The fragility of our ecosystem demands great care to maintain our ecological balance and therefore a new understanding of the concept of hunting,” Burton established.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Harold Guiste is particularly pleased that the issue of wildlife preservation is being addressed.
“This is a signal to many including hunters that the present resource should be prudently managed to ensure its sustainability. It means that we are concerned about the status of our wildlife in Dominica. It means too that we are not only concerned, but we are dedicated tp doing something about it.
“We all recognize the role that each of us has to play to ensure that our wildlife resources are not depleted. Don’t ever believe that wildlife resources cannot be depleted- they can become extinct.”
The Permanent Secretary noted the importance of wildlife to tourism and environmental research.
He hopes that the workshop will allow for a better understanding of wildlife legislature.

DASPA heads learn from port managers training

Benoit Bardouille

A first of its kind regional workshop for OECS port managers has been described as highly successful by Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority, DASPA, Benoit Bardouille.

Bardouille accompanied the Sea Port Operations Manager, Mysline Valerie to St. Lucia for a four-day of training, from April 26 to 29.
This was facilitated by the Singaporean consultancy firm, S.T. Education and Training (STE) which is a global leader in maritime education and training services.
Training was provided in the areas of port management, port planning, port safety and efficiency, emergency preparedness and best practices of the management of Singapore Port and Terminal.
“It wasn’t only just to deal with the issue of cargo or passengers,” Bardouille began, “It had to do with a number of other issues like port forecasting and the planning which goes into it, and the laws dealing with our delivery of services to the various publics among others. We’re not just dealing with passengers and cargo; we’re dealing with much more. Any decisions we take at management level can impact on the persons utilizing the various facilities.”
The training was sponsored by the Government of Singapore through an OECS/ Singapore Joint Cooperation Programme.
“In the past, persons had to go to do Singapore to do the training but this time as the OECS moves towards the Economic Union, it was planned for commonality in the way we address a number of matters.”
Bardouille explained that the training enabled participants to look at best case scenarios for future circumstances.
They also got the opportunity to interact and share experiences with local and regional representatives.
He said further, “There were quite a few [ideas] presented to help managers become better focused as it relates to the competitive environment and their responsibilities. This is so the ports can plan better.
“Planning and forecasting are necessary because of the role which the port plays in the economic and logistical chain. We are seeking to make the ports more cost competitive and reduce costs wherever possible to improve efficiency and better serve the interests of stakeholders utilising the port.”
Asked about his evaluation of the training, his response was that it was incredibly informative.
“I would rate the training very highly because the experts from Singapore brought their success stories of what they have done there to transform the economy.”
Bardouille says he was impressed especially as Singapore is slightly smaller than Dominica and inspires small island states to be undaunted by large challenges.
“It is about how we position ourselves, how price competitive and efficient we are, our ship turnaround time and our use of statistics,” he added.
Chairman of the recently-formed OECS Port Management Committee, Darwin Telemacque, lauded the workshop describing it as a success.
He explained that he was quite impressed with the instructors, the training material and the high level discussions among his fellow port managers in the region.

ISL's overseas investment missions

Invest Saint Lucia

The events aim to increase foreign direct investment flows into the island.

As part of its investment promotion efforts, representatives from Invest Saint Lucia (ISL) are this week participating in three events that aim to increase foreign direct investment flows into the island.
CEO McHale Andrew will head a three-member delegation at this week’s Caribbean Investment Summit (CIS) in Miami. The CIS is co-organized by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) and brings together Caribbean investment promotion agencies, and more than 100 high net worth investors and key stakeholders, in an effort to attract foreign direct investment for a portfolio of investment-ready projects in the Caribbean.
The summit is the unique window to the region’s diverse opportunities for investment, and aims to attract a wealth of potential investors interested in the dynamic Caribbean brand and key industry sectors such as renewable energy, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and niche tourism.
Prior to showcasing Saint Lucia’s projects at the CIS, the team will participate in the Caribbean Hotel and Resorts Investment Summit (CHRIS), also being held in Miami. The CHRIS will provide ISL’s representatives with the opportunity to network with international and regional executives within the tourism industry, and promote the potential for additional lucrative investments in the island’s tourism sector.
Additionally, ISL will also participate in the NEXUS 2016 Business Process Outsourcing Event which will take place in San Francisco. Now in its sixth year, the conference brings together senior technology and business investors seeking to understand how to participate and invest in Latin American and Caribbean economies.
The networking and content program is geared to increase market knowledge for executives responsible for regional and global expansion, third-party consulting partnerships, and IT and business process engagements. ISL deems this as opportune as the potential for growth within the ICT sector has not yet been fully explored and currently portends significant scope for other entrants.
It is anticipated that the leads generated through those events will continue the agency’s thrust towards advancing the island’s socio-economic development and job creation initiatives.

Acting Trade PS speaks at Commonwealth Caribbean Consultation

Commonwealth

May 12, 2016: Mr. Norris Herbert, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry delivered the Keynote Address at the Commonwealth Caribbean Consultation on Recent Developments in Trade: Post-Nairobi and Regional Integration on Thursday 12 May, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency.

Speaking to the Commonwealth Secretariat and CARICOM representatives, Acting PS Herbert reminisced that ‘six months ago in December of 2015 in Nairobi, we were also able to secure, what some has described as an “historic agreement” on Agriculture Export Competition.  Members took the decision to eliminate the use of agriculture export subsidies and the imposition of disciplines on other trade distorting export support measures.  This has been pursued by developing countries for many years.  We are certainly encouraged by this outcome’.
Mr. Herbert took the opportunity to express two areas of issues for which Trinidad and Tobago would like to highlight for discussions. He said ‘we consider the rise of the BRICS, a major challenge in the context of progress at the WTO particularly the Chinese economy and their standoff with the US. That relationship has adversely impacted developing countries and will continue to adversely impact us in the near future. Trinidad and Tobago therefore considers the proposal for the establishment of an independent category of ‘small vulnerable economies’ as useful to overcome the issue. We would like to see this be made a priority issue for the post Nairobi work programme’.  He added that ‘non-tariff measures and other barriers, more so than tariffs, are major market access barriers for Trinidad and Tobago.  They frustrate the businessman and the policy maker alike because of the difficulties involved in identifying and appropriately treating with them. Trinidad and Tobago also considers this issue a high priority for post Nairobi.’
Her Excellency Ambassador Gail Mathurin thanked the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for hosting the two day meeting and said that she looked forward to the fruitful discussions and concrete outcomes.
Dr. Mohammad Razzaque, Commonwealth Secretariat, London in his Remarks stated that ‘the presence of all CARICOM representatives is indeed testimony to the importance the Caribbean attaches to the multilateral trading system and the regional trade integration process. Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries have played a proactive role in supporting the multilateral trading system while promoting trade and economic integration in the region’.
The two-day consultation involved discussions on the Nairobi Package of the WTO; Trade and Development Priorities in the WTO: Caribbean; the Post-Nairobi Process and the Future of the Doha Round; Harnessing External Trade Partnerships for the Caribbean’s Integration and CARICOM Integration: Prospects and Challenges.

Demonstration Farm In The Pipeline

Esworth Reid
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Esworth Reid pointing out to reporters some of the construction work being carried out for the demonstration farm and training centre. (C.Pitt/BGIS)

An aggressive campaign is being undertaken to stimulate interest in agriculture in Barbados.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management, Esworth Reid, disclosed today that his Ministry was in the process of creating a demonstration farm and training centre to highlight and encourage sustainable agriculture.
During a site visit at the Ministry’s Graeme Hall, Christ Church headquarters, Mr. Reid told the media that the most modern techniques of sustainable agriculture would be utilised on the project.
“When I say sustainable agriculture, I am speaking about agriculture that is climate friendly or climate smart, that is environmentally friendly and match with the eco-systems around us. All of those techniques will be demonstrated … So, farmers will be able to see, households will be able to see, and in doing that, we will expect therefore the agricultural sector to go in that direction … So, this is the main purpose of this so-called demonstration farm,” he stated.
Explaining that the Ministry would start with aquaponics, hydroponics, vertical agriculture and protective agriculture, which encompass green houses, the Permanent Secretary reiterated that the purpose of the project was to stimulate the development of agriculture in Barbados.
“This project is very important at this time, especially since the economy needs a jumpstart, and I believe that agriculture is one of the economic sectors that can jumpstart the economy,” he stressed.
Mr. Reid said that research conducted by the Ministry needed to be shared with farmers, and that the demonstration farm project was part of the process of changing the mindset of people about agriculture.
“We needed to open up to those people who will be directly involved, the stakeholders, the players in the agricultural sector. So, you will have farmers coming to see what are the latest techniques, you will have young people that we will be embracing … Also, being able to come up with a new culture in their mind about what agriculture is all about as it is just not about the fork and the hoe,” he pointed out.

Planning Ministry increases efforts to reduce Trinidad and Tobago’s Carbon Footprint

Beverly Khan, Sookdeo Bachan
Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Development, Beverly Khan (2nd from left) hands over the Refrigerant Recovery Units to Sookdeo Bachan of RRRA (left), Vernon Ramjattan of SORAC (2nd from right) and Kenneth Boodoo of ARIA on May 11. (Photo courtesy the Ministry of Planning and Development)

May 12, 2016: Reducing Trinidad and Tobago’s Carbon footprint was at the centre of a handover ceremony which took place on May 11.

Refrigerant Recovery Equipment was given to three local institutions. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Development officiated the handing over ceremony which took place at Tower C at the International Waterfront Complex.
Trinidad and Tobago has already experienced subtle changes in our climate as evidenced by a hotter and longer than usual dry season, which has in turn affected local water availability and agricultural production. Within recent years, special measures have been taken to tackle climate change which have included the signing of multi-lateral agreements and forest and water conservation efforts.
These efforts were taken a bit further today when three (3) portable refrigerant recovery units and six (6) recovery cylinders were handed over by the Deputy Permanent Secretary Mrs. Beverly Khan on behalf of the Environmental Policy and Planning Division (EPPD). The School of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (SORAC), Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association (ARIA) as well as The Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Association (RRRA) were the three institutions chosen for the exercise.
The refrigerant recovery units and recovery cylinders will be used to trap harmful refrigerant gases from entering our atmosphere and safely replace them into their respective units when repairing refrigeration units.
These three institutions were strategically chosen because of their geographic location in the north and south of Trinidad and Tobago. The institutions will loan the refrigerant equipment and train Technicians throughout the country.
Managing Director Vernon Ramjattan of SORAC expressed his thanks regarding the initiative and he stated, “the equipment allows us to recover and reuse refrigerant gasses and will save the environment.”

TT delegation wraps up Ghanaian leg of PM's official overseas trip

Keith Christopher Rowley
Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Christopher Rowley (3rd from left) stands with members of his delegation during the final day of the Ghanaian leg of the PM's official overseas trip. (Photo courtesy the Office of the Prime Minister)

May 12, 2016: Wednesday 11th May, 2016 marked the final day of the Ghana leg of the Prime Minister’s official overseas trip.

The day began with a series of meetings between business representatives of both nations. Following these meetings, Prime Minister Rowley and his official delegation attended the opening of a new branch of HFC Bank. Republic Bank Limited (RBL) is now the majority owner of HFC in Ghana.
The delegation then made its way to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park where they were treated to a guided tour of the mausoleum and Prime Minister Rowley laid a wreath in honour of Ghana’s first president.
Immediately following the wreath laying ceremony Prime Minister Rowley, accompanied by the delegation, paid a courtesy call on Former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings.
The delegation left Ghana on Wednesday evening to arrive in London early Thursday 12th May 2016, on the invitation of Prime Minister David Cameron, to attend a two-day anti-corruption summit.

Prime Minister Rowley
TT delegation led by Prime Minister Rowley (r) during one of the day’s meetings on May 11.

Prime Minister Rowley
Prime Minister Rowley, accompanied by his delegation during a guided tour of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

Prime Minister Rowley
Prime Minister Rowley (c) greets Former Ghanaian President, Jerry John Rawlings (r) during a courtesy call. Looking on, is Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses (l).

Prime Minister Rowley
Prime Minister Rowley lays a wreath in commemoration of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.

Prime Minister Rowley
Prime Minister Rowley unveils a plaque in his honour at the opening of the new branch of HFC Bank, Ghana.

Prime Minister Rowley
Prime Minister Rowley assists with cutting the ribbon at the opening of a new branch of HFC Bank in Ghana.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

WTISD

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated annually on 17th May which marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865 which led to the creation of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

 
The purpose of the WTISD is to help raise awareness of the possibiliites that the use of the internet and other Information Communication Technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as to create ways to bridge the digital divide. WTISD 2016 will focus on the theme:“ ICT entrepreneurship for social impact”, in accordance with Resolution 68 and as endorsed by ITU Council 2015.
This year, St.Vincent and the Grenadines has joined with the ITU member countries to focus our attention on ICT entrepreneurs and startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have a particularly relevant role in ensuring economic growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
To commemorate this day, the Information Technology Services Division in the Ministry of Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Industry, Information and Labour will be hosting an exhibition on Tuesday, 17th May, 2016 which will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The first activity commences with a Views on Issues Program which would air on NBC radio on Sunday, May 15th from 11:00 am -1:00pm.
The activities would conclude on Thursday, May 19th with an ICT Skills Training Workshop for small businesses that are not ICT enabled.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD)

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